Virgin Atlantic is the first UK airline to participate in the TSA Precheck programme to speed up security checks when departing from US airports.
The Transportation Security Administration’s screening process means customers spend on average less than five minutes going through security.
Passengers who have been pre-checked do not need to remove shoes, light jackets or belts. Laptops and compliant liquids can remain in hand luggage.
Qualifying customers enter a valid Known Traveller Number (KTN) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-issued PASSID in their Virgin Atlantic reservation.
If they are pre-approved passengers will then see the TSA Precheck indicator on their boarding passes. Eligible customers will then be led to fast-track TSA Preck lanes within an airport’s security screen area. If a lane is not available for a flight, customers can show their boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane.
Mark Anderson, executive vice president, customer, Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to be the first UK airline to offer our customers the ability to expedite their security screening process in the US using TSA Precheck.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ journeys more enjoyable, and that’s why we’re partnering with the TSA to offer our customers TSA Precheck on flights from the US to the UK so they have a stress-free journey from the moment they enter the airport to the point that they arrive at their final destination.”
Virgin Atlantic customers who are eligible for TSA Precheck include:
– TSA Precheck members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
– Global Entry members (open to UK and US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and eligible citizens in certain other countries).
– NEXUS members (open to citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US or Canada)
– SENTRI members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
– US Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the US Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.